China called on both domestic and foreign companies to take strict measures in preventing group infections during work resumption to minimize the impact of the novel coronavirus epidemic, per a circular unveiled by the Ministry of Commerce on Monday.

The government will strengthen its guidance, with targeted plans for foreign companies, export-oriented and home trade firms to resume production in an orderly manner, the document read.

Under the guidelines, prevention and control measures in workplaces should be reinforced, while meetings should be reduced or conducted via teleconference systems if absolutely necessary. Companies should also make efforts to enhance virus prevention knowledge among employees.

The nation will offer policy support to companies restarting production to ensure smooth operation of the industrial supply chain. It will promote the simultaneous work resumption of global companies and upstream and downstream businesses in electronics and automobile industries, according to the ministry.

E-commerce businesses are encouraged to provide services including group purchases, multi-day food supply packages, vending machines and contactless distribution to meet consumption demand.